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Governments
"global peace and security, prosperity and employment for Canadians. We also work to better worldwide understanding of Canada, our values, our culture and our capabilities."
A. Achieving an enduring peace in the Middle East and of the Arab World region
B. Projecting Canadian values
C. Improved Trade Relations
Major discussions between government officials and NCCAR revolve around the following issues:
The Israeli Palestinian conflict: NCCAR maintains that United Nations Resolutions and other international legal treaties should be the basis for any resolution of the conflict. Israel is an occupying power that has for over thirty five years flaunted international law, and deprived the Palestinian people of their natural and legal rights. Our position is that Canada is obligated to demand an immediate Israeli withdrawal of all occupied Arab territories. Furthermore, we urge Canada to put its policy (http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/Peaceprocess/menu-en.asp) to action and not only state it on the website.
Iraq: Prior to the illegal war on Iraq, NCCAR advocated for a Canadian role in finding a resolution to the impasse. As we saw the power and stronghold of the regime on the population, and the effects of the sanctions on the ordinary Iraqi citizen, it was obvious to us the Sanctions were not working. NCCAR made several presentations to the Government and the House of Commons regarding sanctions and Canada's position. As a result of our efforts and those of other human rights organizations and experts we were able to convince the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade to recommend a
fundamental change to Canada's relations with Iraq(SCFAIT, Fifth Report, March 2000). Further evidence of the disinterest of the American and the British Governments to find a resolution only supported the claim that they were only interested in regime change, which took place most recently.
For the post war Iraq NCCAR advocates for an immediate Canadian humanitarian intervention. However, any other role Canada wishes and should play for the rebuilding of Iraq should be within the United Nations. A UN role is important for ensuring that the people of Iraq are the arbiters of their own destiny.
Sudan: Canada is uniquely positioned to provide assistance and guidance to ending the conflict between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/SPLA). NCCAR believes that only through a real constructive engagement approach will Canada make a difference in the country. Since 1999 NCCAR worked with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAIT), the Canadian Envoy to the Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Parliament of Canada, and members of the NGO community. In Mach 2001 we organized a Parliamentary fact finding mission to Sudan. NCCAR continues to encourage a larger Canadian role in the country, and especially in the post war reconstruction and rebuilding efforts.
Trade Relations: NCCAR constantly advocates for a deliberate and aggressive trade policy in the Region. We believe that the increase of Canadian corporate interest in the Arab World benefits both Canada and the Region. Canadian companies have proved that they are good promoters of Canadian values abroad. The benefit to Canadians from the Arab World could be substantial. We have a comparative advantage in numerous areas that this developing region requires. NCCAR encourages the work of the Arab Canadian Business Council (http://www.canada-arabbusiness.org) in promoting trade and investments between Canada and the Region. We believe that current trade (http://www.dfait.gc.ca/middle_east/trade_stats_dec-en.asp) does not pale in comparison to the potential that exists.
Development Aid: Many countries in the region require substantial development aid. As the Arab Human Development Report (http://www.undp.org/rbas/ahdr/) commissioned by the United Nations Development Program (www.undp.org) indicates, the Arab World requires reorganization and the rebuilding of structures and governance models, along with investments in human development. NCCAR believes that Canada can play a role. Canada represents a good model for governance, economic development, and multiculturalism. All are coveted by people around the world. We believe that these models should be made available to Arab countries as part of Canada's international obligations. Therefore, NCCAR engages the Canadian International Development Agency (www.acdi-cida.gc.ca) regularly to discuss development aid to countries such as Occupied Palestinian Territories, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Relations with Arab Governments
NCCAR maintains relationships with all Arab Governments Representatives in Canada. These relations are based on respect for the opinions and views of others. We believe that only through constructive engagement we can make a difference in the world. Canadian Arab relations are at their highest point and we believe that NCCAR's presence on the Federal scene and longstanding promotion of Canada in the Arab World has been very beneficial for the building, promoting and facilitating these relations.
Officially the Arab World is comprised of twenty two countries. It is divided into four regions each with its own cultural and social and political developmental differences and challenges. When one speaks of the Arab World it is easy to make the common mistake of identifying one completely with the other. Arab countries have certain commonalities and differences, and accordingly NCCAR attempts to build on those commonalities when dealing with issues that concern them all. Also, NCCAR makes a serious effort at assisting on case by case basis. When dealing with each country vis-à-vis its relation to Canada the discussion always touch on some of the following themes that are important to Canadians concerned about the Arab World.
Human Rights: Arab Governments' record on human rights is abysmal in certain cases. However, there is a substantial and quantitative improvement in the last decade, though not enough. NCCAR believes and advocates for the protection and promotion of human rights values in the region. We constantly encourage Arab governments to apply international standards of human security.
Rights for women: Notwithstanding certain cultural differences between Canada and the Arab World, NCCAR believes that granting full rights for Arab women are not only a moral and legal obligation but also for the benefit of the countries of the region. NCCAR urges constantly Arab governments to extend full rights and benefits to their female populations.
Business and Trade: NCCAR promotes Canadian business and trade relations with the Arab World. We constantly urge officials from the region to seek Canadian partners, promote trade opportunities and actively engage Canadian trade authorities as partners. Canadian companies are capable and have the capacity to exploit most markets in the region. Canada does not have any political ambitions in the region and Canada is a country with a human security agenda which fits well with the people of the region. The mutual benefits are great in developing the necessary partnerships.
Non Governmental Organizations:
NGOs are a key to the democratic development of the region. NCCAR has developed extensive relations with organizations such as UNESCO (http://www.unesco.org.lb/), ESCWA (www.escwa.org.lb), human rights organizations in Israel and Palestine, research centers, and many other like minded institutions. We are also attempting to link and partnership between these groups and Canadian NGOs. NCCAR seeks to strengthen these connections.
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